Thousands Ride Through History at 21st Blenheim Palace Triathlon
Over 7,000 athletes descended on the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace this past weekend (8–9 June) for the 21st edition of the Blenheim Palace Triathlon, with cyclists taking centre stage in one of the UK’s most scenic and celebrated multi-sport events.
This year’s edition was a landmark moment for the triathlon, as it hosted the British and English Sprint Distance Championships and served as a qualifier for the 2026 Europe Triathlon Sprint Distance Championships for the first time in its history. The event also introduced a duathlon format, giving cycling enthusiasts even more reason to celebrate.
The palace’s historic parkland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the cycling leg of the triathlon, which saw thousands of riders tackle the undulating 13.3km loop. The course, known for its smooth tarmac and sweeping views, is a favourite among both first-timers and seasoned triathletes.
Among the standout performances, Donald Brooks claimed the men’s national title with a time of 01:03:29, while Christine Durbin took the women’s crown in 01:11:15. Meanwhile, the Weekend Warrior challenge saw elite cyclists push their limits, with one athlete completing an astonishing eight triathlons over two days.
The newly introduced Blenheim Palace Duathlon offered two formats – Half (5km run, 22km bike, 5km run) and Full (10km run, 44km bike, 5km run) – drawing strong participation from the cycling community. The event also featured a youth duathlon hosted by the Brownlee Foundation, promoting active lifestyles among children.
Beyond the competition, the weekend had a powerful charitable impact, raising over £130,000 for more than 60 charities. Clubs such as Women in Tri UK, Muslim Triathlon Network, and Kensal Tri were among the 509 clubs represented, highlighting the event’s inclusive spirit.
Race Director Andy Taylor praised the efforts of all involved:
“The effort put in by all triathletes, staff, partners and volunteers during our event has been utterly inspiring. No matter your age or ability, there is a place for everyone at the Blenheim Palace Triathlon.”
With entries for the 2026 Blenheim Palace Triathlon already open, and the Oxford Half Marathon set for 12 October, the UK’s multisport calendar shows no signs of slowing down.
